Send us a textIn this episode, Ron and Kristin dig into a hidden leadership crisis: empathy burnout. When high-EQ leaders become everyone’s emotional outlet, they absorb problems that aren’t theirs — leading to exhaustion, resentment, and emotional overload.You’ll learn why people emotionally dump on leaders, how empathy becomes codependency, and the practical boundaries every leader needs to stay healthy and effective.What You’ll Learn:Why empathetic leaders are targeted as “safe dump zones”The difference between empathy fatigue and traditional burnoutWhy leaders are not therapistsHow emotional intelligence is misunderstoodTools to stop emotional overload and protect your energyCore Takeaway:You can care without carrying. Leaders stay strongest when they set boundaries that protect emotional bandwidth.Sources (Credible Research & References):Figley, C. R. (1995). Compassion Fatigue: Coping With Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder in Those Who Treat the Traumatized.Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding Burnout: New Models for New Realities.Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence.American Psychological Association — Compassion Fatigue & Empathy ResearchCenter for Creative Leadership — Emotional Intelligence & Leadership Effectiveness StudiesCo-hosts: Ron Ward and Kristin SokoloffSponsor: 4Ward OperationsProducer: Stephen RidleyFacebook Group Administrator: Cassy RoopWhere leadership meets entertainment! This weekly podcast takes both a humorous and intense look at leadership through impactful stories, answers to listener questions, and breakdowns of dirty lessons from Ron's best selling book, "The Dirty Side of Leadership".Connect with us at 4wardoperations.comConnect with us at 4wardoperations.com